Part 9/11:
Frederick Douglass resided in a house with a view of his birthplace—reminding him and us of the radical transformation from slavery to freedom. His photographs, which number around 168, were more than mere portraits; they were strategic acts of identity formation. They helped forge a new image of Black Americans, one rooted in dignity and agency.
Fast forward to today, the accessibility of smartphones puts a formidable tool of self-presentation into everyone's hands. With a simple tap, anyone can craft a visual narrative that challenges stereotypes, celebrates diversity, or simply shares a moment of joy. The power to shape perception lies as much with the individual as it did with Douglass—a trailblazer who understood that images can redefine societal narratives.